Dover will hold Fourth of July parade, fireworks Friday evening

Dover is moving forward with its Fourth of July Celebration today, although organizers are warning that strong winds could still result in a postponement of tonight's fireworks.

Dover is moving forward with its Fourth of July Celebration today, although organizers are warning that strong winds could still result in a postponement of tonight's fireworks."The only way something would change at this point is if we receive word that the winds have picked up and are in excess of 20 mph; then we would have to postpone at the last minute," Dover's Fourth of July Celebration Committee President Greg Patterson said, according to Dover City Hall's Facebook page. "If that were to happen, they will then be held tomorrow night, but we are hoping that is not the case. The parade is scheduled to start on time, vendors are in place, and we are set!"By state law, the winds have to be under 20 mph for fireworks. The National Weather Service is currently forecasting a northwest wind of between 11 and 16 mph for tonight.But the committee decided to move forward after talking with the fireworks vendor, the city fire marshal, the city manager and emergency management.The old fashioned Fourth of July Parade, organized by American Legion Walter L. Fox Post #2., will kick off at 6 p.m on Hazel Road and then head down State Street before ending just past The Green.An opening ceremony with the “National Anthem” will be performed in front of Legislative Hall at 7:45 p.m., followed by a performance by the 287th Army Band of the Delaware National Guard.The fireworks are slated to begin at 9:25.If winds prevent the display tonight, they will be rescheduled for Saturday.